South Carolina (SC) IFTA Fuel Tax

Do I need to register for IFTA in South Carolina?

The state of South Carolina considers an IFTA qualified motor vehicle as one that is designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of persons or property that have:

Two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or

Having three or more axles regardless of weight; or used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds, or 11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight.

The state of South Carolina does not include recreational vehicles in the IFTA tax unless they are used in conjunction with any business endeavor. Recreational vehicles include motor homes, pickup trucks with attached campers and buses when used exclusively for personal pleasure by an individual.

How do I apply for an IFTA license in South Carolina?

The South Carolina IFTA application can be downloaded from the South Carolina website, and completed applications must be submitted to the Motor Carrier Services Section or the appropriate Division of Motor Vehicle Offices of South Carolina.

What fees are associated with IFTA in South Carolina?

There is no fee for the South Carolina IFTA license and decals.

What IFTA credentials will South Carolina give me?

South Carolina will provide you with one IFTA license and a set of decals. A photocopy of the original license must be maintained in the cab of each one of your qualified motor vehicles. The original license should be kept at your business address in a safe place. Your South Carolina IFTA license is valid for the calendar year January 1 through December 31.

Do I file a quarterly fuel tax report if I didn't run during the quarter?

Yes, the state of South Carolina still requires you to submit a "zero" report even if no fuel or IFTA mileage was traveled in that quarter.

What is the penalty and interest rate for filing a late quarterly fuel tax report in South Carolina?

South Carolina charges a late penalty of $50 or 10% of the net tax due, whichever is greater. Interest is computed on overdue taxes in each jurisdiction at a rate of .4167% per month. Even if you are due a net refund, interest still applies to each jurisdiction for any underpayment of fuels use tax to that jurisdiction. This interest is calculated from the day after the IFTA quarterly due date for each month, or fraction of a month, until paid.

How do I obtain a South Carolina IFTA return?

You can easily file your IFTA quarterly tax return at ExpressIFTA. South Carolina will also mail you a tax return and tax rate table will each quarter or you can file online at www.scdmvonline.com/scmcs/.